Nuclear Security Summit: GICNT meet discusses nuclear, radioactive source security

Ratification of international treaties relevant to nuclear security and radioactive source security were among the key issues discussed during the Implementation & Assessment Group (IAG) meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) which concluded on Friday.

In his concluding address, R B Grover, Member of Atomic Energy Commission of India, highlighted the importance of proliferation resistant technological options that contribute to nuclear security.

In particular, he urged the GICNT to focus on the security of radioisotopes that could be separated from spent fuel, a Ministry of External Affairs release said.

The three-day long meet also saw India, which is looking for a membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), making a strong reiteration of its credentials in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The meeting was attended by delegates from over 100 countries including the US, the UK, France and Pakistan.

“India’s hosting of the 2017 meeting of the IAG reflects its strong and continued support to global nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” the ministry said.

152 delegates from 41 GICNT partner countries and four international organisations viz., IAEA, Interpol, European Union and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime participated in the event, it said.

“Some of the important themes that were discussed during the IAG meeting concluded today in Delhi include ratification of international treaties relevant to nuclear security, radioactive source security, sustainability, strengthening institutional knowledge and challenges encountered in adopting and implementing national legislation involving radioactive and nuclear material,” it added.

In his inaugural address, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar had voiced concern over nuclear security, asserting that terrorism, especially nuclear terrorism is an international threat that should not serve national strategy and pitched for a global response in this regard.

He had also emphasised the need to clamp down on terrorism and prevent nuclear material and technology from falling in the hands of terrorists and non-state actors.

At the meeting, the IAG reviewed the activities hosted by various partner countries in 2016-17 and deliberated on the outcomes of these activities held in The Hague, Bucharest, Panama City and Bratislava.

The three GICNT technical working groups met in parallel sessions to review the tasks accomplished from 2015-17 and examine and prioritise objectives for the coming years, the ministry said.